#TBCCrafters Craft Hop - "I am Thankful" Placemats

Check it Out! My Thankful Placemat craft is being featured on The Brand Connection site!  Head on over HERE to check it out!  I am so excited for the Holidays and having all my family at one table again.  Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

#TBCCrafters Craft Hop - Fall Candle Jar Tablescape

Check it Out!`This week my TBCCrafters post is being featured on The Brand Connection site!  Whoot!  Head on over HERE and check out how I created this great fall tablescape.  I created some really cool Fall Candle Jars as a centerpiece.  Happy Fall Y'all!

#TBCCrafters Craft Hop - Dyed Denim Wrapped Gift Bucket

Check it Out!  My husband is addicted to those soft peppermint puff candies and eats them by the bucket fulls!  Since these are handy buckets, I just can't throw them away so I have quite a few laying around and have been trying to think of ways to use them.  I use one on my craft table as a garbage bowl but was thinking they would make a great gift container as well.  

I have been working with Rit Dye the last few months, experimenting and trying it on different materials.  My latest experiment involved denim and Rit Dye. 

I had a pair of light colored jeans that I cut up to experiment with and decided to use my Scarlett Rit Liquid Dye to give it new life.  I cut the pockets, belt loops and a piece from the leg out.  I also dyed some white ribbon to match.  Once I got the pieces all dyed I realized that the leg fit one of my buckets perfectly and hence my idea was born!

Here is how I put the whole thing together.

My supplies included:

• Candy bucket
• Ribbons
• Buttons
• Glue - hot glue and glue dots
• Lace
• Rit Dye
• Supplies for dying - plastic tablecloth, bucket, plastic gloves, rubber bands, measuring cup and spoon,  wood sticks

 First I had to dye my denim.  Here is how I did it.

Step 1.  Mix up the dye according to the instructions in a plastic bucket.  I placed my wooden sticks in the dye to soak and absorb the dye

Step 2.  I then placed the dye soaked wooden sticks onto my denim piece 

Step 3.  I gathered the denim into folds around the sticks

Step 4.  Using rubber bands I secured the ends

Step 5.  Dip the ends into the dye, squeezing off the excess

Step 6.  I let my dye set on the denim for about 20- 30 minutes and then rinsed it with water

Step 7.  I also dyed the pockets and the belt loops, as well as the ribbon by dunking them completely.  Let everything dry completely before using.

Don't forget to use those plastic gloves and it's important to protect your surface.  This dye is permanent and will stain.  You can get lots of tips and other ideas for dying at https://www.ritstudio.com/.  They have a color studio and a technique section that gives all the basics for getting started. 

Since my dyed denim leg piece fit perfectly onto the bucket, I just slid the denim up the bucket all the way to the rim.  Even though it fit snuggly, I used a few glue dots around the top to make sure it stayed there. 

For the bottom of the bucket, I trimmed most of the excess off and glued down the edges.  I used hot glue and pushed all the pieces as flat as possible so the bucket will sit evenly.

Using a jar lid, I traced and cut 2 circles out of my excess denim.  One for the lid and one for the bottom.  I simply glued it over the center to finish it off.

I glued lace around the edges of the circle for the lid and also around the coin pocket.  I used fabric hot glue because it dries quickly and works really well.

Using fabric hot glue again, I glued 5 of the belt loops around the top edge of the bucket, spacing them out evenly.  I also glued the pocket on along one of the seams.  I wrapped my dyed ribbon around the bucket and through the belt loops and then tied the ends into a bow.  I layered 3 different buttons on the pocket to cover the emblem.

I glued the lace trimmed circle to the lid and then using my dyed ribbon along with 3 other ribbon colors, I created a ribbon flower and then layered buttons to create the center of the flower.  You can check out how I put these ribbon flowers together HERE.  They are easy and super fun to create.  I used glue to make this one though, because I get so frustrated with the needle and thread.  For me glue was faster and easier.  I added a few of the ribbon leaves to the pocket and when I give this as a gift, I thought the gift tag would fit perfectly in the pocket too!

Here is what my dyed denim looked like all the way around. I forgot to take a pic of the finished piece before I used it.

#TBCCrafters Craft Hop - How to make Ribbon Flowers

Check it Out!  I was looking for some inspiration for future crafts, so while on a trip to the library with the kids a few weeks ago, I was flipping through some books on ribbon and found a how to on making ribbon flower petals.  I have since returned that book and don't have the title to share, but that is how I got the original idea.  How I put it all together is my own creation.  I decided to add the silk flower to it for added dimension and I love how it turned out.

My supplies included:

• Ribbon - I used 2 different colors and 2 different widths along with a third color for the leaves
• Floral button
• Glue Dots
• Glue Dots XXL
• Thread & Needle
• Scissors
• Wire cutters

Here is how I put the petals together.

Step 1.  Using a coordinating color of thread, thread your needle and cut a length of your desired color ribbon.

Step 2.  Fold one edge in to the center in half.

Step 3.  Fold the other side in so the edges are overlapping, creating a triangle shape.

Step 4.  Sew a gathering stitch across the overlapped ribbon edges

Step 5.  Gently pull the thread together to gather the end of the petal.  I wrapped the thread around the base and tied it off to keep the gather secure.
Step 6.  Repeat steps 1 - 5 until you have the desired amount of petals.  
I created 4 purple and 4 pink petals.

Here is how I created the leaves.

Step 1.  Cut a length of ribbon and fold it so each end is diagonal to the center of the ribbon.

Step 2.  Fold it in half towards the center to form a point at the top.

Step 3.  Stitch a gathering thread along the bottom edge of the ribbon.

Step 4.  Gently pull thread to gather the end of the ribbon.  Wrap thread around the gather and knot it off to finish the leaf.

Here is how I put the ribbon flower together.

Step 1.  I used an XXL Glue Dot to adhere my flower together.  So I removed the clear film and laid it flat in front of me.

Step 2.  I simply arranged my leaves and petals on top of the glue dot in a floral pattern.

Step 3.  I added the floral button to the center.  Using my wire cutters, I removed the shank from the button so that it would lie flat and even.

Step 4.  I removed the stem and center from my silk flower so that I only had the petals remaining.

Lastly I removed the backing from the XXL Glue Dot and layered my ribbon flower on top of the silk flower petals.

You could use as many petals and leaves as you want and make it multi-layered with 3 or 4 colors.  The options are endless!

So what did I do with this flower?  Well you will have to come back next week and check out my next TBCCrafters post to see!  

#TBCCrafters Craft Hop - Jumbo Clothespin Card/Photo Holder

Check it Out! I love to create!  Whether it's in the craft room or kitchen, I enjoy the process and producing an end product that  I can enjoy and be proud of.  I love to make things for myself and to give as gifts as well so I love finding projects that I can give away and are useful.  For my craft this week, I have a quick and easy craft that is perfect to give as a gift.  

I found this great jumbo clothespin for less than $2 a few months ago and decided it would make a great recipe card/ photo holder.  I thought about which I wanted to decorate it for and decided that I could do both and that I wanted to keep it for myself!  So using the word "create" as my inspiration I chose some pretty paper and got busy!  

My supplies included:

• white paint
• scrapbook paper
• mod podge
• sticker letters
• die cut pieces from the same Colorbok paper kit that I used on my Welcome Spring Plaque from last week
• Glue Dots Glue Lines
• floral embellishments
• ribbon

The first thing I did was take the clothespin apart so that my spring would stay clean.  It was really easy to take off and I experimented with getting it back on so that I wouldn't have to figure it out after I had it all decorated.  I didn't want to mess up my paint and decoupage job! 

I then painted the two pieces a bright clean white.  Giving it plenty of time to dry between and after the coats of paint.  

I then traced the wooden pieces onto the back of my chosen paper and cut it out, including a space for the spring.

Next I mod-podged those pieces onto the painted pieces using a card as a squeegee to make sure there are no bubbles.  I applied a few over coats as well to make sure the pieces were secure and this also makes it so it is easier to clean.

After allowing the pieced to dry thoroughly, I put the spring back on to put the clothespin back together into one piece.

Using my ruler to evenly space my sticker letters, I applied them to a die cut piece for one side. 

I recently received these great Glue Dots Glue Lines from Glue Dots and I am in love!  I didn't even know they made Glue Lines but I sure am glad they do!  They are perfect for attaching the die cut shape to my clothespin.  I then added a ribbon with bow right above the spring.

I finished off this side with a few floral embellishments.  Whether I am cooking or crafting, this is the perfect side to display my idea card!

For the other side, I wanted to keep it simple for displaying photos, so I simply added another piece of ribbon, a circle embellishment and a monogrammed die-cut square.  I used a larger sticker letter backed with scrapbook paper and then trimmed and glued onto the die-cut pieces that I put back to back.  I used those great Glue Lines again to hold it all together.

#TBCCrafters Craft - Welcome Spring Plaque

Check it Out!  It's Thursday and that means it's time for a TBCCrafters Thrilling Thursday Craft!  This week I am super excited to be featured on The Brand Connection website!  I did a wall plaque upcycle!   Head on over HERE and check out my easy spring craft!  

Book Review: Happy Hormones, Slim Belly by Jorge Cruise

*I received this book compliments of The Book Connection for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Happy Hormones, Slim Belly
by Jorge Cruise

About the book:

"For women - especially after 40 - weight loss can be a nightmare with fluctuating hormones and unbearable cravings. Science has revealed that there is a biological imperative for women to balance hormones through Sugar Calories that most women are compelled to feed. The irony is that you must cut Sugar Calories to lose weight and you must cut Sugar Calories to keep it off long term. Expert Jorge Cruise share breakthrough science that has confirmed that cutting sugar for two days, then adding it back for five days, will keep your insulin low, which cuts belly fat, and your serotonin high, which makes you happy. HAPPY HORMONES, SLIM BELLY is the perfect guide to balance hormones, turn metabolism to fat-burning mode, and get your mood soaring day after day with the proven Carb Cycling Plan."

My Review:

Dieting isn't something I really do, although I need to.  I have never been one to pick up different dieting programs or plans, I have always just tried to watch what I eat and have been able to maintain a fairly decent weight.  I do not have a regular exercise plan either but I know I should because according to some charts, I am overweight.  As a women over 40, I have noticed that it is getting harder to get the weight off now too, so as I age, I have begun to look for a dieting plan that will work for me, so when I got the opportunity via The Book Connection to check out a book that focuses on women and those over 40, like me, I knew I wanted to read it.
One of the reasons I don't do diet programs and plans is because I just can not cut some carbs and sugars from my diet, just ain't happening here! I have sugar cravings and I gotta have it, and that is where this book comes in!  
With this book, I learned the facts behind the science of carbs and sugar and why I crave it the way I do.  I learned that there is a way that I can have control over the cravings and maybe lose weight at the same time.  
The premise of this program is the Carb Cycling Plan and it's basically a rotating menu plan that cuts sugar calories for two days and then you can have them again for 5 days.  You will learn exactly what sugar calories are and how to measure them as well.
It really all makes sense to me after reading this book and I really love the majority of the recipes, which make up most of this book.  I do however have a problem in that I just can't afford most of the ingredients that it takes to make some of these dishes, as they aren't ingredients I have lying around.  I would have also love to have seen some more breakfast options.  There just aren't that many in this book and that is one area that I am trying to get better at, eating a good breakfast.  
I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this book because I honestly learned so much about my body and about food and although I haven't lost any weight with it yet, I really believe I will, once I can devote myself to it and find alternative breakfast recipes that fit in with the carb cycling plan.  
It's a great plan and I recommend this book to any woman over 40 who has those uncontrollable sugar cravings and is looking for a way to conquer them!

#TBCCrafters Craft Hop - Magnetic Calendar Upcycle

Check it Out!  Not long after moving in this house, I purchased a magnetic calendar that was clearanced out at Michael's for around $5.  I had a specific spot that I wanted to create an area that I could have my calendar, pens, places to put appointment cards and keys all together.  My first step at better organization!  I then found a great shelf that had baskets in it for storage marked down at Hobby Lobby and I knew the two would work well together.

I had the spot and the supplies, but I just couldn't get the calendar right.  I realized that this calendar started with Monday and not Sunday like most calendars so my numbers, that I had to write in with a dry erase marker each month, were off every month.  I got extremely frustrated with it so I decided to give it an overhaul!

So as you can see, my calendar was very dull and really kinda messy looking. It also had a chip on the side of the frame, which is why I got it so cheap!  But with the cork strip, being magnetic, and already calendar grided it had so much potential!

Supplies for this project:

• month stickers
• Snap Studio Snappy Days 3 x 4 Snap cards 
• 1/2" Circle Punch
• Magnet circles (you will need 31)
• Magnet strips or squares
• Jewel stickers and pins
• Mod-Podge
• cardstock
• glue

To decorate my frame I used these awesome calendar themed pages from a little book I got marked down.  I am in love with this line of products and will be keeping my eyes out for more deals, cause I really want more now! lol

These cards were double sided so I lined them up around the edge of the frame creating a pattern that I liked and that squared up at the corners.  They were perfectly sized for this project too, I could cut them in half and have 4 different designs to choose from. I folded over the corners wrapping the ends around the sides and mod-podged everything down. After my first coat dried, I applied a couple more to seal it all down.

I decided a great way to clean up the look of this messy calendar was to make myself some number magnets so updating it each month was faster and cleaner. To create my number magnets I used one of the snap cards that had a calendar on it.  Since I was only able to punch out about 8 numbers, I made some photo copies of it to punch the rest out.  I ended up needing 4 copies to get 31 numbers.  I then just peeled the sticky back off of my magnets and attached my punched numbers. 

Since one of the reasons I wanted to redo this calendar was because of the days of the week, I needed to replace them so I used another of the pages from the Snap card book that contained these adorable bubble days.  I simply glued them onto my magnet sheet and cut them out.  I use the magnetic ads that are always stuck on our phone books! 

Because my month stickers were clear, I first adhered them to white cardstock, glued them onto magnet sheets and then cut them out following the edge of the sticker. 

I also adhered some magnet circles to my jewels.  

The shelf is the perfect place to keep a jar for pens and things and a plate to catch my keys or what nots.  

I also created a place to tack small pieces of paper by taking out the insides of a small frame and filling it with cork.  I used a cork coaster, traced around the glass from the center and sealed it inside the frame.  

I am so excited at how my "area" turned out and have been successfully keeping up with appointments for 6 people, but I am thinking I need a calendar journal maybe...those Snap cards really have me inspired!  

I'd love to know how you keep up with your appointments and important dates.